More Black Male Teachers Needed
Several male classroom teachers and school board members from Harris, Dougherty and Griffin-Spalding school districts shared their experiences. They reported that Black men make up two percent of elementary and secondary teachers across the U.S., highlighting the need to recruit and retain more Black men in the education workforce. They also reinforced the importance of Black male teachers serving as mentors for Black boys.
Factors cited as attracting men to education included:
- Adequate mentorship and guidance
Atlanta Public Schools teacher Derrick Mosley said, “There is a shortage of Black male teachers, but there is also an exodus of Black male teachers. Pay is a contributor, but lack of support is probably the primary reason.” Mosley cited the importance of building level administrators in retention of male teachers.
